DOT Hazmat Marking and Labeling for Shippers

Who marks, and the basic marks

The person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must mark each package. If you prepare the package, that work is yours.

On a non-bulk package (unless an exception applies)

• Proper shipping name and identification number, with the ID number preceded by "UN", "NA" or "ID", exactly as shown in the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). Example: UN1263, Paint.
• Name and address of the consignor or consignee, except when the package moves by highway only and will not be transferred from one motor carrier to another, or is part of a full truckload, carload or container load going from one consignor to one consignee.

If the package holds a hazardous substance

The letters "RQ" must be marked on the package in association with the proper shipping name. If the proper shipping name does not identify the hazardous substance by name, the name of the hazardous substance must also be marked on the package, in parentheses, in association with the proper shipping name (except for packages of radioactive material labeled under 49 CFR 172.403). If the material contains two or more hazardous substances, at least two, including the two with the lowest reportable quantities (RQs), must be identified.

Reference: 49 CFR 172.300(a) · 49 CFR 172.301(a)(1) · 49 CFR 172.301(d) · 49 CFR 172.301(d)(1) · 49 CFR 172.301(d)(2) · 49 CFR 172.324(b) · 49 CFR 172.324(a)

How big the ID number must be

Older embossed packagings: for domestic transportation, a packaging manufactured before January 1, 2017 and permanently marked (for example, embossed or heat-stamped) with the identification number may stay in service until the end of its useful life, even if that marking does not meet these sizes.

Reference: 49 CFR 172.301(a)(1) · 49 CFR 172.301(a)(1)(ii)

Durable, contrasting, unobscured

The required markings must be:

• Durable, in English, and printed on or affixed to the package, or on a label, tag or sign
• On a background of sharply contrasting color
• Not covered by labels or attachments
• Away from other markings, such as advertising, that could substantially reduce its effectiveness

Reference: 49 CFR 172.304(a)(1) · 49 CFR 172.304(a)(2) · 49 CFR 172.304(a)(3) · 49 CFR 172.304(a)(4) · 49 CFR 172.301(e)

Check this drum before it ships

This is a combination package: a fiberboard box holding cans of liquid paint.

Orientation arrows

A combination package with inner packagings of liquid hazmat must be packed with closures upward and marked with orientation arrows on two opposite vertical sides, pointing in the correct upright direction. Exceptions exist, for example for some small inner packagings; check 49 CFR 172.312(c).

Proper shipping name and ID number

Exactly as in the Hazardous Materials Table, with the ID number at the required size.

Hazard label

Placed on the same surface of the package and near the proper shipping name marking, if the package dimensions are adequate.

Tape and attachments

Required markings must not be obscured by labels or attachments. Keep tape and pouches clear of the marks and labels.

Simplified sample package for training only.

Reference: 49 CFR 172.312(a)(1) · 49 CFR 172.312(a)(2) · 49 CFR 172.304(a)(3) · 49 CFR 172.406(a)(1)(ii) · 49 CFR 172.312(c) · 49 CFR 172.406(f)

Where labels go

• Primary and subsidiary labels: apply both, as specified in column 6 of the Hazardous Materials Table. For materials other than Class 1 or Class 2, also apply any subsidiary hazard label that the table in 49 CFR 172.402(a)(2) requires, if not already labeled. The class or division number appears in the lower corner of each.
• Not on the bottom: put labels on a surface other than the bottom. A label may instead be on a securely affixed tag for a cylinder, a package smaller than the label that contains no radioactive material, or a package whose surface is too irregular for a label.
• Duplicate labels: generally one of each required label is enough, but duplicate labels must go on at least two sides or two ends (other than the bottom) of certain packages, for example each package or overpack of 1.8 cubic meters (64 cubic feet) or more and each non-bulk package of radioactive material.
• Near the shipping name: on the same surface and near the proper shipping name marking, if the package is big enough.
• Side by side: primary and subsidiary labels must be next to each other, which means within 150 mm (6 inches) of one another.
• Size: each diamond label must be at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) on each side. If the size of the package so requires, the label and its features may be reduced proportionally, provided the symbol and other elements of the label remain clearly visible.
• Visible: a label may not be obscured by markings or attachments.
• Mixed classes in one package: label it for each class of hazardous material inside.

Reference: 49 CFR 172.402(a)(1) · 49 CFR 172.402(b) · 49 CFR 172.406(a)(1)(i) · 49 CFR 172.406(a)(1)(ii) · 49 CFR 172.406(c) · 49 CFR 172.406(f) · 49 CFR 172.407(c)(1) · 49 CFR 172.404(a) · 49 CFR 172.407(c)(1)(i) · 49 CFR 172.402(a)(2) · 49 CFR 172.406(b) · 49 CFR 172.406(e)

Do not ship a package that says something false

Old marks and labels on reused boxes and drums cause real confusion for carriers and responders.

• Markings: do not offer a package marked with a shipping name, ID number or other hazard markings (such as RQ or INHALATION HAZARD) unless it contains that hazardous material or its residue. One exception: markings that are securely covered in transportation. Other narrow exceptions exist in 49 CFR 172.303(b).
• Labels: a hazard label may be on a package only if the package contains a hazardous material and the label represents a hazard of that material, except as 49 CFR 172.401 provides.
• Look-alikes: no marking or label whose color, design or shape could be confused with or conflict with a DOT label.

Reference: 49 CFR 172.303(a) · 49 CFR 172.303(b)(2) · 49 CFR 172.401(a) · 49 CFR 172.401(b) · 49 CFR 172.303(b)